‘Make Wales the most attractive country to grow old’, says AM
A Welsh Conservative Assembly Member has marked Human Rights Day by raising the awareness of his proposal for an Older People's Rights Bill in Wales, which gives older people more protection than anywhere else in the UK.
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December – the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Darren Millar, Clwyd West AM, won a ballot last month allowing him to introduce legislation in the Welsh Assembly. His proposal is for an Older People’s Rights Bill which is designed to enshrine the rights of older people in Welsh law.
Mr Millar said that this legislation could ‘put Wales on the map as one of the most attractive places for older people to grow old’. If passed, the Bill will require Welsh Ministers to promote older people’s rights and to consider them when making decisions.
The Older People’s Rights Bill will seek to:
- Further enshrine the rights of older people within Welsh law by placing a due regard duty on public bodies, in particular, the Welsh Government, local authorities and NHS organisations.
- Place a duty on the Welsh Government to promote knowledge and understanding of the rights of older people across Wales.
- Promote ageing well, and embed older people's wellbeing where public services are delivered.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative AM – Mr Millar – said:
“As the first nation in the world to appoint an Older People’s Commissioner, Wales is already a global leader when it comes to supporting our 800,000 older people and looking after their interests. The opportunity to develop legislation to protect and promote older people’s rights will help us to consolidate that position.
“Legislating in this area will put Wales on the map as one of the most attractive countries for people to grow old and give our older people greater confidence that their needs are being considered by decision makers.
“The Older People’s Commissioner and other stakeholders have already confirmed their support for an Older People’s Rights Bill so I urge the Welsh Government and AMs from all political parties to do likewise.”
